Cornell & Diehl Burley Flake #1

Wow. This one's a kicker. I didn't know it until I lit it, but I smoked it in the morning. Kind of a mistake, I think. After the initial shock (and after I've been dosed with a commercial amount of Nicotine), the taste balanced. I could actually feel more Virginia than Burley, and not yet the perique. This kind of disappointed me, because I was expecting something else, but it was just the beginning. It was some kind of a dissonance, because for some reason I ling strong taste to strong tobacco, but taste-wise, it was kind of subtle. I experienced this nic-hit with HG Brown Bogie, and there the taste was thick and rich – on the verge of too thick, for some people I know. Nonetheless, Burley Flake #1 was beautifully balanced. Maybe the fact that I don't smoke much enhanced the effect of nicotine, as this blend is clearly not meant for the faint hearted. Throughout the whole bowl the taste remained consistent, a bit earthy & nutty, but mostly pleasant. It smoked dry and cold, almost no relights needed. This is not a beginners blend, but very recommended as an evening smoke.

Lately I have been trying to keep my nic. levels in check and this just opens that door again, next thing I know I'll be back to puffing on heavy duty ropes all day with no buzz! A very welcome pipe tobacco that is rich in earthy burly and musty Perique & sweet Virginia's, some times.

This is what would have been the last of the Burley Flakes that I had tried if C&D had not introduced a Burley Flake 5. As I am done purchasing tobacco, I will likely never try the Number 5. With as much tobacco as I have, I am fine with that as none of them have really thrilled me. Of the four, this one lies in the middle between #2, my favorite, and #3, my least favorite.

In terms of constituent tobaccos, this most closely resembles # 3 in that it is a Va, Burley, Perique blend. I did not care for #3 as it was just too stout for me. #1 is very similar, but the use of Perique is less prevalent than #3; this makes it more palatable to me and led to my actually enjoying the blend as the pure burley taste was allowed to shine without turning me green in the process.

This, like the other three, is a fine tobacco from a performance standpoint. Like nearly every C&D blend, the moisture level is spot-on and it is ready to pack upon opening the tin. It burns dry at a nice pace. Inherent with this brand, this will also get harsh and nasty if your pace is too quick; but the right pace can be rewarding if you like unflavored burley. I would not buy more of this as I prefer #2 and this does not differentiate itself enough.